Varsity men’s soccer bested at first home game

By Ellen Finn,
Bluedevilhub.com Staff–

Davis High Varsity men’s soccer played their first home game of the season on Sept. 5 and suffered a narrow loss to competitors Granite Bay, with a score of 2-1.

The game got off to a shaky start for the Devils as Granite Bay scored their first goal within the first 15 minutes.  As the game went on, however, the men gained confidence with Kyle Fix, Jesse Hoppe and Joe Rainer all missing goals by only a slim margin.

After the first goal, the DHS goal keepers looked strong, defending multiple close shots with ease.

The loss was a disappointment especially after the Devils’ match against Napa on Sept. 3 in which they won 4-3.

As the game drew to a close, Granite Bay made their second goal and the Devils began to seriously amp their game, passing far more often than they had in the first half.

As a result, DJ Villegas, one of DHS’s shining players who made the National Team last September, made a simple goal just 15 minutes before the end of the game.

“It honestly wasn’t a special goal,” said Villegas. “I just wanted to help my team.  I wish I had made it sooner, though!”

Varsity coach Alex Park took the loss in stride, commenting that preseason games are simply to see where the team stands.

“I just want[s] the team to progress and to focus,” said Park.  “We want to peak at the right time.  We’ll be doing much better by sections, which is when we should be peaking.”

Park also sees the loss as a result of not yet having an official roster or positions.  Once positions are set in place, Park hopes to see improvement in Blue Devil varsity soccer.